In October, I have a paranormal novella, Leesea’s Books and Babbles, coming out from Secret Cravings Publishing. I am excited about this and can’t wait to share Leesea’s story with you all. With that being said, I am guest blogging over at Secret Cravings today, so please stop by if you get the chance.
http://secretcravingspublishing.blogspot.com/2012/08/introducing-upcoming-scp-author-ava.html
Happy Reading!
Ava Riley
June 26th, 2012
She’s a mortal with dark powers…
After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude…until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire…
He’s the Prince of Night…
Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him – a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.
(Taken from Frost’s website)
****
Oh my, my, my, my, my! I will automatically start off by saying that if you have not read this book, run do not walk, to your nearest book store (or computer) and get your copy NOW! I have absolutely loved all of Frost’s books (Cat and Bones are two of my favorite heroines/heros), but Vlad and Leila are AMAZING together.
Before I started reading Once Burned, I had read a few reviews on it (which I don’t normally do with authors I’m already familiar with because I don’t want to read any spoilers). I saw some complaints about how the story was in Leila’s POV. Let me just say this: I LOVED that it was her point of view. She is a funny, intelligent, and strong woman. I believe if she were anything less, then her POV wouldn’t work. Also, we already know that Vlad is a badass, hello he’s the Prince of Night! Seeing this story unfold from Leila’s perspective actually made me fall in love with Vlad even more than I already was (from seeing him in Frost’s Night Huntress series). Add to it that she is sarcastic as hell and he can read minds added quite a bit of humor to the story.
We are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with Vlad and Leila. I found myself getting caught up not only in the danger they found themselves in but also in the love story as it unfolded. Frost does an amazing job at showing how natural this relationship is. Two very strong-willed people, with two extraordinary abilities doesn’t normally mean a successful relationship (especially when one is an arrogant vampire), but Frost made it work and made it work well. To say Vlad is “sure” of himself and the fact that women (including Leila) would fall at his feet is an understatement. Normally I am turned off by characters who are overly possessive or, but when it comes to Vlad, it absolutely works for him. This sexy vampire and beautiful, strong-willed women heat up the pages in the bedroom (and other places) made this an exciting sexy read as well. Every woman needs a Vlad in their lives!
When I got to the end of the book, I was both disappointed and excited. Disappointed that it had ended and excited to know that this is not the only/last time that we will see Vlad and Leila. Now I have to wait :(. This is one of those books that will be added to my very short list of read again books.
I am giving Once Burned 5/5 Stars – this is a MUST read!!!! If you have a huge To Be Read list, bump this one to the top – you will not be disappointed.
****
Happy Reading!
From the back cover:
Everything Randwulf of Greycliff loved was torn from his grasp in a night of fire and terror. His wife and child slain, his manor destroyed, Rand now lives for one thing alone: revenge on the man who ordered the attack. Armed with a part of the legendary Dragon Chalice–the object his enemy most desires–Rand embarks on a deadly voyage to trap his foe. He will avenge his family . . . and let no one stand in his way.
On a stormswept shore in the wilds of northern England, a gentle maiden discovers a man lying on the beach, shipwrecked and in need of care. But helping him is forbidden. Serena has the gift of Knowing: with a mere touch, she can see all the secrets in a man’s heart. It is a gift that has kept her secluded from the outside world, wary of those who would use her powers for their own gain. But Rand’s wounded heart beckons, and his passionate nature draws her to him–daring her to surrender to a dangerous seduction that could destroy them both. . . .
(taken from Lara’s website)
****
When we were first introduced to Rand in Heart of the Flame, I felt so bad for him. He lost everything and all that he had left was a pressing sense of revenge against the man who took all that mattered from him. I had hoped that we would see him go from a tortured soul to a man with a purpose (outside of avenging his family). I was not disappointed with Rand found himself in the company of Serena and her mother. When Serena came into the picture I honestly thought, “dear lord, she is going to be one of those women that is all fragile and needy.” But of course, Lara did not disappoint as all her heroines are strong women! Even though Rand is an overpowering male, not to mention incredibly sexy, Serena takes on his pain and it is she who breaks past that hardened shell of Rands. I really enjoyed this story (not as much as the first two, but definitely enjoyed it). This story is a beautiful love story that not only reveals the strength of a woman (Serena), but also that proves that no matter what life throws at someone, love and salvation can be found.
I am giving Heart of the Dove 4/5 Stars only because for me, it moved a little slow in the beginning. Otherwise the story of Rand and Serena is a fabulous read and you won’t be disappointed in picking up and spending time in their world.
Happy Reading!
Six months in an enemy’s dungeon might have broken a weaker man, but former Templar knight Kenrick of Clairmont has emerged from imprisonment with an unyielding determination, and consumed by a single daunting quest: to find the Dragon Chalice, a mystical treasure said to grant its bearer unlimited power. It is a dangerous chase, one that pits Kenrick against foes skilled in dark, deadly arts. But no obstacle will prove more treacherous–nor more seductively lethal–than the fiery beauty called Haven.
Caught up in the battle for the Chalice, Haven survives a night of terror that leaves her wounded and near death. Her memory scorched by fever, Haven awakens to find herself in the care of the forbidding, handsome Kenrick, who offers his protection in return for her alliance. A tenuous trust is formed between them, which soon ignites into a fierce passion neither can deny. But Haven’s memory of her past is slowly beginning to surface, and it will threaten the fragile bond she and Kenrick share–and embroil them in a fight for their very lives. . . .
(Taken from Lara Adrian’s Website)
****
I’ve tweeted this, but it is worthy to be noted again…The problem I have with Lara Adrian’s books, is that once I start reading them, life as I knew it ceases to exist until I am at the end. I know that it may seem as though I never give her books a bad review, but in all honesty, I have yet to read a book of hers that I didn’t find myself enthralled in until the end and saddened that there was an ending.
This holds true for Heart of the Flame! After reading Heart of the Hunter, I didn’t think that my emotions could be wrung out any more than from that story. So wrong was I! Kenrick and Haven’s story took me from wariness to joy to an unbelievable clenching of my heartstrings. Kenrick is a formidable warrior and scholar who has not been swayed from his purpose to thwart the evil that seeks the Dragon Chalice, that is until Haven stumbles into his life. A broken woman who is uncertain of who or what she is finds herself in the care of Kenrick and no matter how hard she fights the attraction to him, she cannot deny her desires for him, nor can Kenrick deny his desires for Haven. This is a beautiful story, not only about fate and love, but also about the unselfish sacrifice of one person for another.
The element in Heart of the Flame that I found most endearing, was not so much that two people who were attracted to each other found themselves in each others arms, although those scenes play out quite nicely…translation = hot, steamy, and you’ll need a damp cloth to cool yourself down. The element that I found most endearing is that of sacrifice. Sacrifice of one’s own desires, wants, and even life itself. This made the characters real, lovable, and worthy of a cheering section. No matter what transpired between Kenrick and Haven or what “secrets” were revealed that would have made a sane person run, I found myself silently yelling at them, “It doesn’t matter, you love each other.” This is what made this book great, because I wanted things to work out for them and I genuinely cared for each character.
I also enjoyed that Braedon and Ariana continued to have a presence in the story. Too many times I’ve seen characters fade away from the story and I really wanted to see these two still play a part in the quest that Kenrick still found himself on.
I am giving Heart of the Flame 5/5 Stars! This series just keeps getting better!
On to:
Happy Reading!
Christian Notte’s story, the sixteenth book in the Argeneau series is set on an island paradise called St. Lucia. After a bad relationship and an even worse divorce, Carolyn decides to go on a long overdue and much needed vacation with the ‘girls’. Only the rest of the vacationers didn’t get the memo. Around every corner there seems to be another couple celebrating their honeymoon or anniversary and the few single men she does see are far too young to even consider, including an irresistibly attractive rock violinist she meets. It’s really too bad he’s so young but in the end it doesn’t matter because according to his cousin, Giacinta, women in general aren’t Christian’s type. But there’s a catch, Christian needs Carolyn’s help. He needs her to be his beard (to play the part of his fake girlfriend) for the week to appease his ‘machismo’ family. Carolyn just can’t seem to say No and decides to help Gia’s cousin. The only problem is that being around Christian and acting like they are a loving couple is wreaking havoc on her emotions. Carolyn’s thoughts keep drifting back to places they shouldn’t, like kissing his full lips or feeling his broad shoulders under her fingertips… good lord, she’s in trouble.
(taken from Lynsay’s website here)
****
I am an avid reader of Lynsay Sands…I have read all of the books in the Argeneau series and have loved them all (some more than others). This I did not like, with the exception of a few sections (mostly the sex senes…the dream sex and the real sex, but even that at times felt a little rushed). I was disappointed in Under a Vampire Moon because I really expected more from it.
Here are the issues I have (I may have spoilers…but I’ll try to keep them out):
First – I DID NOT like Carolyn. She was not a likable person to me. I honestly would have loved to have seen Christian get with Genie. Carolyn was just one of those heroines that doesn’t have a backbone, is wishy-washy, and too many times I wanted to shake her or smack her around a bit. I understood the reasoning behind her insecurity and honestly I didn’t have an issue with that, but I found her to be one of those women I run from for a friend because she’s such a buzz kill. She’s in her 40’s but some of her language (speech) and mannerisms don’t fit her age. All of the other women in the previous books have had issues, but they also had backbones and that’s what made them likable. Carolyn is not likable.
Second – The dialogue (with the exception of a few places) felt forced. It was so hard to sit and listen to the characters speak because honestly it wasn’t believable for me. Now mind you, it wasn’t like this throughout the entire book, but for the majority of it and that took me out of the story someone.
Third – Paranormal – was almost non-existent! Other than them drinking from blood bags, Carolyn seeing fangs, and Christian revealing that they were immortals, there was pretty much nothing. And Christian spent and awful lot of time in the sun and we only really say one time where he was affected by it. The second problem I had with the paranormal side of it, was that when Christian revealed it to Carolyn she almost immediately accepted it and we are talking about a woman who has major trust issues. So with that, it made the characters unreliable. Christian didn’t even bite her while they were having sex, which hello…it part of the eroticism of the sex between life mates.
Fourth – The ending!!!!! It felt rushed and as if the author just wanted to finish the book. It didn’t feel finished and honestly when I got to the end at 3 AM this morning, I was left with a feeling that there were pages missing. The ending was not complete.
Things that worked for me (spoilers):
First – Some people were upset with Christian “playing gay” in this book to get to Carolyn, but I didn’t really have an issue with that. I’ve seen that happen in real life. So I think that actually worked. Christian is actually the one character who worked in this piece (and Genie…which again I wish she had been the heroine). Christian is hot, in a rock band, and knows how to play a woman for sure. My only issue with him is that he seemed so “young.” Yes, he looks 25, but um, he’s 500+ years old. His personality seemed to have changed from the last time we saw him and he seemed more like a boy than a man. Still hot though!
Second – As stated earlier, the sex scenes worked fabulously. The were hot, sexy, and I found myself taking my time reading through them. Again, my only complaint is that Christian never bit her. Even after Christian told Carolyn everything and she accepted it, we never saw that intimacy we are used to in the other books.
Third – the secondary characters worked – the band members (I especially liked Zanipolo) and of course Julius and Marguerite were great (although at times their dialogue didn’t work for me).
I just didn’t get out of this book what I was hoping for and I was really looking forward to this one because of Christian.
I am giving Under a Vampire Moon 3 out of 5 Stars.
****
Happy Reading!
Ava Riley
Dominic, of the Dragonseeker lineage—one of the most powerful of the Carpathian lines—is desperate to go to the very heart of the enemy camp and learn their plans. There’s only one way to do so: ingest the parasitic blood of a vampire. He knows that it is a mission from which there is no return. With little time before the blood takes effect, he’ll get the information he needs, relay it to the leader of the Carpathians, and go out fighting. There is no more honorable way to end his life.
Solange Sangria is one of the last of the jaguar people, a royal pureblood, a dying species that cannot recover from bad decisions made over hundreds of years. She has long been alone, fighting to save the remaining shapeshifters from the hands of Brodrick the Terrible: her own father, who slaughtered her family and everyone she loved. Wounded and weary, she plans one last battle, hoping to stop the man who has made an alliance with the vampires, accepting that she will not come out alive.
They are two warriors who have lived their lives alone. Now, at the end of their time, they find each other—an obstacle neither can hope to ignore.
(taken from Feehan’s website)
*****
Christine Feehan delivers another wonderful story of the power of a lifemate. Dominic is a sexy, powerful Dragonseeker, the most powerful of all the Carpathians who has come to terms with the fact that he will die without a lifemate, but he will do all he can to rid the world of as many vampires and jaguar-men as he can before he passes over to the other side. He resigned himself to that, until Solange, his lifemate, comes along and changes all that for him.
Together Dominic and Solange are strong together, working side by side. This was a story filled with excitement, unexpected turns, and a powerful love story. Solange’s fear that having a lifemate, a man in her life, will change who she is and change the jaguar within her, but Dominic’s love goes beyond that and he loves her for the person she is, not who she thinks he wants her to be.
This was a refreshing story that had me waiting to see what happened next and relieved that by the end of it, Solange and Dominic found peace in each other’s hearts. Feehan does a great job of bringing about the hot, steamy sex and still keeping it beautiful between two lifemates.
I am giving Dark Peril 4 out of 5 Stars.
****
I am currently reading:
Love Cat and Bones!
Happy Reading!
Ava Riley
ADAM
The Nightwalkers- Book 6
Haunted by magic, beset by evil, the Nightwalkers face their darkest hour yet. And when they unthinkable happens, only one legendary male has the power,
the will, to save them: Adam….
FOR 400 YEARS HE WAS LOST TO HER, BUT HE IS HERS TONIGHT…
From their first tantalizing touch, Jasmine knows he is different. What other lover could unlock her tight control, flood Vampire senses jaded by a lifetime of decadent self indulgence? Centuries ago, when he disappeared without a trace, she had given up hope of ever fulfilling the promise of incomparable passion. But here he is, against the very laws of nature, ready to bring down their most vicious enemy, ready to bring her blood to the boiling point…. If she will only let him.
(taken from Frank’s website)
*******
Jacquelyn Frank has always been one of my favorite authors. I have read all of the Nightwalkers Series and the Shadowdwellers Series as well. When Adam came out, I bought it right away because I was so excited to continue on the journey of the Nightwalkers. Demons, Vampires, Lycanthropes …Oh my…I love them all. Because of time constraints, I was unable to get to Adam until recently.
This is the very first book of Jacquelyn’s that I have been disappointed in. Without giving away any pertinent information and spoilers, the very beginning of the book took me out of it. An event takes place (that later in the book makes sense), but right off the bat I was very pissed off because of said event. And to be honest with you, I didn’t recover quick enough from it because it took too long to get where I understood what had happened and where Frank was going with the story.
The second issue I had with the book is that I don’t feel like enough of it was centered around Adam. I never got enough of him. And although really even a full book of all Adam wouldn’t be enough, there really wasn’t a whole lot of time for me to appreciate this book being about him. The story seemed to center more around Leah (Jacob and Bella’s daughter) than Adam. I understand the need for Leah of course having a major part in the story, but I feel like she should have been secondary to Adam, but it felt like it was reversed. I will say that what I got of Adam I LOVED. He is definitely one hot sexy Demon! Jasmine is one lucky little Vamp.
The third issue I had, is that the majority of the book felt very depressing. There wasn’t a balance of emotion and it was a struggle for me to pick up the book and continue on. I also was hoping for more intimacy between Adam and Jasmine but that didn’t really come until the story was almost over. The story as a whole just didn’t feel complete to me. That is the best way I can describe it.
Although this is definitely not one of my favorite books to date that I have read from Jacquelyn, I certainly will not be throwing her books to the wayside. I enjoy her writing, just expected more from Adam.
I am giving ADAM a 3 out of 5 Stars because I honestly never recovered from the WTH moment at the very beginning of the story and because the story didn’t grab my attention to make me want to give up sleep to read.
*****
Happy Reading!
Ava Riley
| LOVER ENSHRINED by J.R. Ward Published by Signet Eclipse June 2008 Book six: Phury’s Story In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other—six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. And now, a dutiful twin must choose between two lives… |
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Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood’s bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is to father the sons and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.
As his first mate, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself- she sees the emotionally scarred male behind all his noble responsibility. But while the war with the Lessening Society grows more grim, and tragedy looms over the Brotherhood’s mansion, Phury must decide between duty and love.
(taken from J.R. Ward’s website) **** Phury has always been one of my favorite brothers since Dark Lover. Although each brother has his own personal pain he is dealing with, something has always struck me with Phury. Some may say he is a martyr or that he has brought on his own drug addiction, but I have just always had a soft spot for him. So I was very excited to finally get to his story.
I heard a lot of mixed feelings about Lover Enshrined. Quite honestly, a lot of people told me it was their least favorite book in the series. Because of that, I went in expecting it to be the most horrible story I’d ever read. This was not the case for me. Maybe it was because I was expecting less, when in reality what I got was a good story. Not the absolute best story I ever took time to read, but definitely a good read. I will say that there were times while reading it that I thought to myself, “is this section of the book ever going to end?” but all in all I enjoyed sitting down and reading it. There are definitely some turn of events that I didn’t expect and some revelations that came about that gave me an “ah” moment. Without giving anything away, however, I will say that one scenario that seems to be unfolding has me saying, “oh hell no please don’t go there.” I am giving Lover Enshrined a 4 out of 5 Stars mostly because although I did enjoy the book greatly, it didn’t leave me with a satisfaction at the last page and because of that “Oh hell no” scenario. I do recommend it, especially if you’ve come this far already.
Happy Reading! Ava Riley |
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Before I post my Six Sentence Sunday, I would like to say a very Happy New Year to everyone. 2011 was a very exciting year for me in many ways, but especially in the literary sense. Two of my books were published, along with a story in an anthology. I am excited for what 2012 will reveal. I have several things in the works, including a few short stories to be posted here, so keep your eyes open. I also have set a goal to read AT LEAST 100 books and review them here.
Now for today’s Six Sentence Sunday. This has been taken from a story I am working on called Leesea’s Books and Babbles. This is a paranormal about Annalisa and Braeden.
**********
Annalisa wrapped her arms tightly around herself. Suddenly the air around her became so cold, sucking all the heat from her body as her extremities began to numb. Sound ceased to reach her ears, and with the exception of an overwhelming sense of fear, she felt nothing…until she heard that familiar voice.
“Drake, Drake, Drake. Will you never learn your lesson?” Braeden’s voice filled the alley.
Annalisa felt her knees begin to buckle. Before her legs could give out on her, she pressed her shoulder to the alley wall. She refused to go down again.
**********
Happy Reading!
Ava Riley
January 24, 2012
Darker After Midnight — Book 10
Features: Sterling Chase
Once a morally rigid enforcer of Breed law, now a warrior fallen from grace, Chase’s biggest battle is the one he wages against his own savage nature. With Bloodlust beckoning him, the path to redemption has never seemed more out of reach–until he finds himself drawn to a beautiful young woman who may be something much more than she seems . . .
(taken from Lara Adrian’s website)
*****
Darker After Midnight
I will be honest with you, I am not even sure how to write out this review. The excitement of this book has my mind blasting in every direction, unable to focus on what I really want to say without giving anything away! This is by far the BEST story I have read from Lara Adrian. Just when I thought the Midnight Breed series couldn’t get any better, Lara goes and gives us Chase and Tavia! Finally! I have been waiting for Chase’s story for a while now, I’ve always wanted more of him since Lara first introduced us to him. Chase is definitely one of my favorite of the Breed males. He is sexy hot and one badass vampire and although he is dealing with Bloodlust, he is a male of honor and worth! In Darker, we are introduced to Tavia who turns out to be quite a surprise! She is not quite what we are led to believe, but I’d venture to say that out of all the females, I like Tavia the most.
Darker After Midnight is full of twists and turns and takes us places that we could never anticipate. Lara does a fabulous job keeping us on our toes and throwing us for a loop (and just when we think we’ve figured it out) that has us begging for more. One of the elements I appreciate about the Midnight Breed series (especially in Darker After Midnight) is how each Breed male and their Breedmates are incorporated in each book. Although Darker is focused on Chase and Tavia, we are kept in the loop in regards to the others of the Order.
Once I was able to lock myself away in my room, away from all the distractions of the day, I was unable to put this book down. I even sat on the edge of my bed while my Nook was plugged in because I kept having to recharge the thing. I couldn’t stop reading until I got to the end (with the exception of a food break). And what an ending it was!!!!! No Spoilers here, but let me tell you, I can’t wait to see where Lara takes us next and all that she reveals in the following books. Darker has done what all novels should do, had me wanting MORE and MORE!
Darker After Midnight receives a 5 out 5 Stars (without question) and I HIGHLY recommend this novel. If you haven’t had a chance to read the Midnight Breed series, you are missing out! You need to read the previous books in this series before taking the plunge into the Dark(er), but don’t worry….you won’t be disappointed that you did.
Happy Reading!
Ava Riley
Ava Riley Romance 